Purposeful Vocation In A Consumer Economy

Now we command you, beloved, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from believers who are living in idleness and not according to the tradition that they received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us; we were not idle when we were with you, and we did not eat anyone’s bread without paying for it; but with toil and labor we worked night and day, so that we might not burden any of you
- 2 Thessalonians 3:6-8

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Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. And in fact, you do love all of God’s family throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more, and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12

Mixer

Christmas decorations up before Thanksgiving, or after?

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‘Neighborly’ - Daily Devotional

To get the Daily Devotionals delivered to you every morning, text ‘dailydevotional’ to 97000.

1. In the 11/1/22 entry, Help!, Pastor Harry asks if anyone - besides himself - has any trouble asking for help? Although self-sufficiency can be a strength at times, it can also be a hindrance to a lasting solution or change. What keeps you from asking for help - pride, shame, doubt, fear of being vulnerable, etc. , and why? Like Peter did in remembering his faith in Jesus to save him from the waves, turn those over to Jesus. He will help, and he will also send others to help in his place. Will you be open to asking and accepting?
2. In the 11/5/22 entry, Picture Of A Disciple, Pastor Pam challenges us to answer this question: What area(s) is God challenging you to do the work to be His physical body on earth, being a reflection of His love? Perhaps you served at Serve Day today, or you helped a family member get a chore done. Think about the things that you do and prepare how you will be a disciple in them ahead of time: worshiper, servant, point others to Jesus. How do you set up your next “thing” to be a reflection of Jesus showing up through you?

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Sermon Questions

Scriptures:  2 Thessalonians 3: 6-8, 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12

1. Why is Purposeful Vocation (even if you are retired) included in the Go First leadership model? Contrast these two statements: “I have to do this”, vs, “I get to do this”. Which statement is typically your response to your job/responsibilities, and why?
2. Pastor Jared talked about the Great Resignation, stating that people aren’t actually looking for complete freedom (absence of boundaries/restrictions) so much as looking for the right boundaries/restrictions (purpose). Do you agree with this? Why or why not? For a Christian, what problems does complete freedom create? What are the benefits of having some boundaries/restrictions?
3. Read 2 Thessalonians 3:6-8. Paul addressed a group of able-bodied Thessalonians who had quit their jobs, choosing instead to receive charity from the rest of the congregation. How did Paul describe them? Why is it impossible to be a Christ-follower and be lazy at the same time? What implications does this point have for your life? See Genesis 2:15 to help with your answer.
4. Read 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12. Paul describes the kind of life a Christ-follower should strive for. Discuss how our work exhibits this kind of life:
   • What does it mean to please God vs appease God?
   • Describe the quiet life that Paul speaks of, and the benefits personally and globally.
   • What does it look like for me to love people in my job (whether you are managing a household, working at a small family business or large corporation, working remotely, waiting for a job change, or pursuing other ventures in retirement)?
   • Describe the “biblical work” in your job. Is it really work to do what we are called to do?
5. Think about the three potential driving forces that motivate us to work: 1) Money, 2) Identity, 3) Loving Others. Discuss the pros and cons of each driving force. Which driving force brings glory to God? What is your response?
6. As we conclude the Go First Series, what are some new strategies you have for living your life according to the five points of the Go First leadership model? Review what you have learned - what do you see differently/do differently now as a Go First leader in these areas?
   • Emotional Health
   • Spiritual Depth
   • Relational Connection
   • Sexual Wholeness
   • Purposeful Vocation

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Serve

Are you asking what happens next after Serve Day? Check out:

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Pray

Pray over the long-lasting impact of our Go First series. Pray for new leaders to step forward with courage to say: “I will go first!” Pray for families to find new ways to go first within their households, their schools, their community. Pray that God’s Church will answer His call in a new way to be partners in His Kingdom work.

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send?
And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8)